Everton stunned many with their phenomenal work in the transfer market this summer with the addition of James Rodriguez the icing on the cake.

Although, they can feel relieved that another deal didn't make it through as last season's loanee, Djibril Sidibe, revealed that he very nearly returned to Goodison Park.

Speaking to French outlet Journal L'Est Eclair, the 28-year-old said:

"I had a proposal to extend my stay in Everton. But staying there wasn’t just up to me. The two clubs discussed it and couldn’t come to an agreement."

The Monaco ace went on to express his desire to one day return to the Premier League after enjoying his spell in Merseyside, but it is the Toffees who should look to avoid making that happen on their part.

Sidibe's stint under Carlo Ancelotti last term wasn't really a success - nor could it be considered a failure - more so-so, or bang average.

It would have been a major gamble to sanction the €14m (£12.5m) clause to make the loan deal permanent, meaning in total, Everton would've forked out €16.5 (£15m) for a back-up player, per GFFN.

The 28-year-old French international has gone onto start four matches for the Ligue 1 outfit, yet is only averaging 1.7 tackles, 1.5 fouls and 1.2 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

This shows major regression from his loan spell here, as he's recording fewer tackles and more fouls each outing, so maybe Everton got out at just the right time.

There weren't many supporters behind the idea of signing him permanently either with the right-back being lamented as "widely inconsistent" and "dodgy."

Even Sky Sports pundit and commentator Gary Neville once slammed his defending against Arsenal as a "madness" (via the Daily Star) too.

Sidibe's spell at Everton edged closer to being a flop than a sensation, so they certainly dodged a massive financial bullet by not sanctioning his return this summer.

Marcel Brands ought to count his lucky stars tonight.

AND in other news, Everton cannot afford to miss out on their next Leighton Baines...